New Year’s Day is the time for reflection, and as I looked back upon all my memories of 2024, I noticed that a few experiences started forming a list in my mind. You probably know a few things about me if you’ve been around The DIS for a while: my home park is Disneyland, and I have a lot of opinions. So, it just makes sense to kick off the new year by combining the two things I am best at; well those and being your average loud-mouth, sarcastic Aussie who likes to have a laugh. Here is a quick summary of my best and worst lists for Disneyland in 2024.
Best Dining Experience: Jazz Kitchen Coastal Bar and Grill
It’s no secret I love this restaurant. Our dinner at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Bar and Grill in Downtown Disney was the best we had while visiting the Disneyland Resort, and believe me, we tried a lot of places. The food was delicious, well-presented, and reasonable for the location. The setting was perfection, overlooking the hustle and bustle of the street below, listening to the smooth jazz sounds, and enjoying the quiet break from chaos. Read my full review here.
Worst Dining Experience: California Adventure Food and Wine Festival
I know what you might be thinking. How? Well, while many of the items we tried during the festival were fabulous, many seemed to have the same sweet, misplaced flavor that didn’t suit the item at all. It’s almost like the authenticness of the flavors we expected was dumbed down and replaced with this overarching sweetness that was unnecessary. Even a few of the drinks have a sickly sweet twist to them. And I’m not one of those weirdos who doesn’t like sweet things and will only eat dark chocolate. I love some sugar, but when that sugar seems confused, taking the forefront of the flavor profile where it doesn’t belong, even if it is being adapted for a Western palette.
Best Show / Entertainment: World of Color
If you go into the World of Color show with the right frame of mind, it’s hard to leave without shedding a tear. As the lights go down around the second-born California Disney Park and the haunting voice-overs of each presentation begin, we are reminded of what The Walt Disney Company is all about: storytelling. The message is clear, beautiful, and succinct as we journey through the iconic tales of our favorite characters. Want more out of your World of Color experience? Read my Dessert Party Guide here.
Worst Show / Entertainment: Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular
I was lucky enough to see this presentation more than once, and the reason why it hit the low point on my list isn’t what you think. It’s a great show. I love the celebration of friendship, the few little moments of unexpected pixie dust, and the overall theme of Pixar. But, like many of these shows, there are only certain vantage points that give you the whole picture. My first experience seeing this was an unscheduled preview that had me in the completely wrong spot to enjoy it. I, like literally thousands of others, looked on with the constructed view from the sides, not expecting to walk by during a preview of this new show. Unlike the parade that moves through the audience or the fireworks that can be seen from just about anywhere, this one has a really limited premium viewing area that makes it harder to enjoy.
What Disneyland Got Right: The Disneyland App
What used to be the source of much frustration is now the best way to avoid a massive waste of time. Cosntant rides closures (I will get to that in a minute) are hard to keep up with, and Disneyland’s phone app is the key to dodging as many of them as possible before you set out traversing the park for your next ride. Wait times feel more accurate than ever before. No, that doesn’t mean that they are accurate, but they seem much more true to the experience than they have in recent years. Mobile ordering can save you so much time waiting in line, squinting at a poorly lit menu, and waiting on the spot for your food to be ready. Running through that ordering process while you wait in line for an attraction is so satisfying. Even without the added features of Lightning Lane Passes, the Disneyland App has come so far and really is the key to getting the most out of your day.
What Disneyland Got Wrong: Temporary Ride Closures
On more than one occasion, I wondered what the Donald Duck was going on. Day after day, rides would break down and spontaneously close down multiple times during the day. In fact, one day, I don’t think there was a single ride that didn’t break down in a temporary closure. You can’t help these things, I know; but when you are asking guests to commit upwards of an hour to some lines, only to approach the front and be turned away, that’s a hard pill to swallow after the fifth time in one day. Sometimes, you can be lucky enough to see what’s coming by checking the app prior to visiting, though when it catches you already in the line, it’s tough to move through with a positive attitude.
Unexpected Positive: Impressive Cast Member Character Interactions
Disney’s standard of character interactions has always been high. They are caring, attentive and engaging, sticking to only a few moments with each guest without making anyone feel rushed. It’s a hard gig. In an age where the general public is as impatient as ever, one would expect the quality of these experiences to decline. It has not. In fact, in my experience, each interaction has been top-notch. From character meet & greets to those moments during a parade of character drive-by when they engage you and give you that perfect photo to capture, cast members are ruling this game at an all-time high level. So many times when I was filming or taking photos, characters would seek out the camera and give that moment of sass for me to capture. Other times, they weren’t afraid to connect with my teens, initiating a walk-by moment of fun on their way to another location. Full respect to these people who delight the masses every single day.
Unexpected Negative: Downtown Disney Security.
It’s a necessary thing that there is no way to get around; nor should there be. But getting through the security line in Downtown Disney to access the theme park entrances can be tedious, especially if you are waiting on those Magic Morning Early Entry times and security only opens at the last second. Again, the staff working these jobs (unsure if they are Disney cast members or not) are wonderful, friendly, thorough, and kind, but the process itself can take up a lot of time, especially if you re coming from the Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel. These lines were the worst I have ever seen them, and at not particularly crowded times of year, either. Afternoon reentry seemed to be a real point of congestion. As the line elongated down the side street, we saw many families stressing over reservation times and other return times they would be late for as the line moved slowly into the district.
Best Photo Spot: Across the water from the Pixar Pal-Around Wheel (formerly Mickey’s Fun Wheel)
You can’t beat this one for a family photo that screams we were in Disney! Right across the water allows you to get that giant Mickey in the shot with enough distance to place your family comfortably in front. And the best part is you have a clear view all the way to the other side. 100% ambiance and 0% other randos crowding the background of your shot!
Worst Photo Spot: Directly in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle
I know, it’s the photo we all want, but so does everyone else! It’s so hard to get a good photo here due to the masses of crowds in the background. Sure, there are ways to minimize the impact of other people but still, you are never going to get that clean shot that you’ve seen in the commercials. If you really want a castle photo, try just off to the right-hand side of the castle, where the fence in front of the moat allows you to stand as close to the fence as possible and prevents the background from being filled with people because of the water. Wait until a Disney photographer is getting a good shot in front of the castle (as the surrounding people will often stand clear), and get your photo with as few people crossing the drawbridge in the background as possible.
Did you visit Disneyland in 2024? If so, add your best and worst lists to the comments below or start a new post on our DISboards discussion forums.
